Some individuals on a plant-based diet will also avoid plant fragments and eat the whole plant or a minimally processed version of it. In the context of diet/dietary choices and/or cuisine, “plant foods” refers to any edible food that isn’t from an animal in any way.

Plant fragments (refined foods) like as all-purpose flour, sugar, oil, and junk foods like pretzels and chips, are also not considered “plant foods” even though they technically come from plants and do not contain animal products.

When people use the term “plant foods” and/or “plant-based” they mean the whole food or some minimally processed version of it, or a meal prepared from those foods. For example, applesauce is considered a “plant food” or “plant-based,” like an actual apple. However, apple pie isn’t considered a plant food or plant-based even if it was prepared without milk and eggs.

Benefits of a plant-based diet

A plant-based diet has several benefits. For example, it is more economical, especially if your meals are made with in-season plants and you eat local produce. Here are the other benefits of this diet:

It lowers blood pressure – People on a plant-based diet often have lower blood pressure because of a higher intake of potassium-rich foods.

Lowers cholesterol – A plant-based diet is one of the simplest ways to lower your cholesterol because plants contain no cholesterol.

Improves blood sugar – Consuming more fiber is the best way to fight high blood sugar.

Reduces the risk for diabetes – According to observational studies, plant-based diets and components of plant-based diets can significantly reduce the risk of type 2 diabetes. Large cohort studies showed that the cases of type 2 diabetes are significantly lower among those on a plant-based diet compared to omnivores and even semi-vegetarians. Those on plant-based diets often have lower body mass indices, which can protect against type 2 diabetes. However, differences in diabetes risk persist despite adjustments for adiposity.